Working with Martinho on studies of the GentleWave ® device, UMSOD third-year endodontic resident Dr. Tanvir Singh explains, “We’re doing a lot of bacterial samples before and after the different access designs. During treatments, I started to think more about the concentration of bacteria that could be present, and how doing different access designs could impact my ability to clean out the bacterial load. Translating the research to clinical practice has helped me think like a bacterium along every step, not just about having a few steps in a procedure that I’m following.” Not surprisingly, Fred continues to cultivate and develop interest in endodontics both among dental students who came to school with previous experience and those who had never even considered it. Martinho balances engaging undergraduates with giving them a healthy perspective “When I give my lectures, I teach them the fundamental principles. I want to make sure they understand,” Martinho explains. “Then right in the middle or toward the end I start introducing what’s going on in the topic, and then I show them future directions. I say this is where we are and what you need to know, but this is where we might be in the future. I want them to be knowledgeable of the latest techniques in the field. Usually, I incorporate information from the residency program to introduce them to how we treat in the postgrad …you’re here, and this is now how you are treating, but look! If you do a residency, this is how you might treat in the future. “I think it’s important because maybe you’re going to get on their limits relative to specialist training.
some students interested in endo just by showing them.” Complementing his primary role as undergraduate endodontic program director, Fred’s background has helped chart a course for research that combines microbiology studies, newer devices, and healing outcomes. Catalyzed by the donation of an X-Nav implant surgical guidance system from a University of Maryland oral surgery alumnus, Tordik says Martinho “jumped right in and did it.” The two Foundation- funded grants Martinho secured to study a new software application on the platform customized for endodontics were instrumental in securing Federal Drug Administration approval of the device. To re-establish his clinical credentials in the United States, this summer he anticipates beginning advanced placement in a postgraduate program in addition to full time teaching and research. The Foundation Educator Fellowship will make it possible for Dr. Martinho to advance his own career while continuing to mold the careers of hundreds of general dentists and dozens of endodontic specialists. “I’m so grateful I’m going to have the opportunity to continue training, teaching, and contributing to residents’ education and the specialty,” he says. “With my clinical- scientist background, I can add to learning and clinical practice for the entire specialty.” For the future, Fred sees himself continuing to take on higher academic roles which will position him to have even greater impact on shaping endodontics for generations to come. The recognition he is already receiving from all who know him certainly portends well for bright horizons ahead.
Culturing dental pulp stem cells in the lab
D4 Ideen Modarres checking a bacterial culture in the anaerobic chamber for his senior research project
Testing a dynamic navigation system for apical surgery (research project funded by the Foundation)
FOCUS 2023
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